We are here to help you!

The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's vision is to be the voice for the business community by supporting economic growth in and around Bladen County by partnering with diverse organizations and supporting our educational resources to enhance the overall quality of living in our rural communities.

Business Resources

BUSINESS RESOURCE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!
There are many resources becoming available through federal and state sources and it can become confusing. There are several of us in Bladen County, who attempting to keep up on the latest program. Terri Dennsion, Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce – 910-862-4386Todd Lyden, Small Business Development Center, Bladen Community College – 910-879-5572Chuck Heustess, Bladen County Economic Development – 910-645-2292

UPDATE April 28, 2020

NC SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERYEarlier this month, Hometown Strong shared news from the NC Rural Center about the launch of an emergency small business lending program in response to the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 on North Carolina’s entrepreneurs and small-business owners. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending Program remains open and is still receiving applications for small business bridge loan relief in anticipation of an additional $75 million investment should the NC Legislature agree with Governor Cooper’s proposal on use of the Federal CARES Act.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS & SELF-EMPLOYEDIndependent contractors and self-employed workers out of work because of the COVID-19 outbreak can now apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance at des.nc.gov.

If you have already applied and been denied for state unemployment benefits, you may need to provide additional information to apply again. You should sign into your online account and click on the ‘Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance’ link to complete the application process.

If you need assistance filing your PUA claim, call the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance line at 866-847-7209.

CARES – CORONANVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allocates $349 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the current circumstances they are encountering. The CARES Act provides funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, modifies the existing Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and provides immediate loan payment relief for current SBA 7(a) borrowers.SBA Loan Overview and Comparison 4.1.20 – from the Small Business and Technology Development Center

SMALL BUSINESS “PAYCHECK PROTECTION” PROGRAM –Experts are saying these funds can be exhausted quickly. Contact your bank today.

The Treasury Department has released new information about the Paycheck Protection Program. This new loan option prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Please review the resources provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury below and visit their website for additional information.

The intent of executive Order 118 is to limit the congregation of individuals by prohibiting sit-down service in restaurants. Congregation is strongly discouraged to limit the spread of COVID-19. Restaurants are allowed to provide carry-out, drive-through and delivery options. Restaurant staff is not permitted to serve patrons indoors or on an outdoor seating area. If a restaurant has an outdoor seating, onsite consumption in the outdoor seating area is only permitted for carry-out food, and is subject to mass gathering restrictions and social distancing guidelines. Local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys are generally responsible for enforcement of the Order provisions. Law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce the Order pursuant to N.C. Ge. Stat. 166A-19.30(a)(2) and violations are punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. 14-288.20A – Larry D. Michael, State Environmental Health Director.

For all general questions, call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) at 800.228.8443. BLNC staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. BLNC staff will connect your business to the appropriate organization for assistance. All inquiries will receive a response from a confidential business counselor within three (3) business days. “Se Habla Español.”